Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus authorities are seeking legally sound mechanisms to obtain a formal statement from Ioanna Photiou, known on social media as Annie Alexui, over serious public allegations against senior officials, they said on Thursday.
Institutional process for testimony
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said procedures are under way to secure Photiou’s testimony “in an institutional way,” stressing that investigations cannot be conducted through social media posts alone. He said testimonies and written statements are a prerequisite for any criminal inquiry.
Handling of claimed material
Fitiris said a way would be found for Photiou to hand over any material she claims to possess “institutionally and safely,” both for her own protection and for the integrity of the evidence.
Authorities’ stance on the allegations
Speaking on Alpha’s Kalimera programme, Fitiris said the process would ensure that “the investigation can be carried out on the basis of what the law provides.” He said the authorities were neither dismissing her claims outright nor accepting them at face value, adding that names may be mentioned for which no case has been established.
Police investigations and public disclosure
Asked why police had not launched investigations into all allegations aired publicly by Photiou, Fitiris said police investigations can be conducted without being made public. He said investigations are not announced and that decisions on what is disclosed publicly rest with the chief of police.
Views on public discussion of investigations
Fitiris said investigations should not be conducted or debated in the public sphere. He added that in his experience in the public and military sectors, every organisation has vulnerable people who become involved with the underworld.
What steps would you expect authorities to take to gather evidence from public allegations made on social media?